3 Ways Cybersecurity Compliance Changes Affect Higher Education

Updated cybersecurity compliance requirements could have colleges and universities scrambling as these changes can impact their ability to secure defense contracts and grants. The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) can support your DoD contracting efforts while helping to make your cybersecurity practices more robust.

What is the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification?

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is a crucial framework designed to help protect sensitive data within the defense industrial base. While its primary focus is on defense contractors, the recent changes to CMMC have significant implications for higher education institutions.

Universities and research institutions often engage in contracts and grants that involve sensitive data, making compliance with CMMC essential. Review how key updates to the CMMC cybersecurity framework affects higher education and get some helpful advice on being prepared.

Three ways CMMC standards affect colleges and universities

1.Cybersecurity compliance requirements for research grants

One of the most pressing questions for higher education institutions is whether research grants are considered contracts under CMMC. The answer depends on the nature of the data provided and the performance of the grant.

Stay informed about updates to CMMC and adjust your policies accordingly. Compliance with CMMC standards can help your institution compete for and manage research grants without interruptions. It can also help you protect sensitive data, maintain the integrity of research, and avoid potential legal and financial repercussions.

What you can do now

• Search Department of Defense (DoD) grants and contracts to determine whether they contain requirements related to safeguarding sensitive data
• Identify any gaps and develop a plan to address them
• Consider collaborating with cybersecurity professionals to help implement rigorous security measures and train staff on CMMC requirements

2. CMMC assessment and certification

Higher education institutions involved in research will need to undergo assessments and obtain certifications to continue bidding on DoD contracts. The CMMC framework includes different levels of cybersecurity compliance, each with specific requirements. This includes annual self-assessments and triennial independent reviews.

Achieving certification also signifies your institution meets rigorous cybersecurity standards, which can be a competitive advantage when applying for grants. Regular assessments can help identify areas for improvement and keep your institution up to date with evolving cybersecurity practices.

What you can do now

• Conduct a gap analysis to evaluate your institution’s adherence to CMMC standards
• Document your findings and create a security plan outlining how you’ll address deficiencies
• Regularly review and update your security measures to maintain compliance and be prepared for future assessments
• Consider reaching out to certified third-party assessment organizations to arrange for an official assessment

3.Effective data governance and scoping

The CMMC framework emphasizes the importance of controlling the flow of controlled unclassified information (CUI) and federal contract information (FCI). As a higher education institution, you need to understand where your data goes, what it touches, and how it is protected. This includes potentially redesigning systems to comply with CMMC requirements.

Proper data governance helps keep research data secure, reducing the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access. It helps maintain the confidentiality and integrity of research findings, which is crucial for academic credibility. Adhering to these requirements helps demonstrate a commitment to data security and foster trust with funding agencies.

What you can do now

• Map out the flow of CUI and FCI within your institution and define the boundaries of your systems
• Implement robust data governance practices and train staff on the importance of data security
• Consider using specialized tools or consulting with professionals to enhance your data governance framework